Earlier text: HOW TO GROW IN GRACE OR MAKE PROGRESS IN PIETY“FORBEARING THREATENING.”
By Albert Stone
This inspired prohibition, recorded in Eph. 6: 9, relates to the domestic relation of masters and servants. It is a pity that parents should, as they sometimes do, transgress this caution given to masters. Natural affection alone, were it exercised evenly, would prevent it. But when passion rules, natural affection, for the time being, is not. Of all places on earth, the household should be a place of circumspection and propriety of conduct. There is where children receive their first and most durable impressions. The proper thing for parents to do is to be in their families first what they wish their children to be in their future life, and to teach them such lessons as will best qualify them for life’s responsibilities and duties. The moulding influence of parental instruction and example upon children, be it right or wrong, is very great. Some threaten their children with punishments, to inflict which, would be most unnatural and sinful. In nearly every instance where this evil habit obtains license to appear once on the stage, it becomes chronic, and throws in a claim for a permanent residence. Such a habit is utterly opposed to the spirit and practice of the Christian religion. Such parents have inconsiderately and inexcusably fallen into this bad practice, which one half hour of serious, prayerful consideration would cure. Think of it, dear, delinquent mother. You hold the rein of passion loosely, or rather, you do not hold it at all, on this subject. Satan so controls your mind here that you go off at half bent, and accept at his hand a vocabulary of phrases, from which you select those which seem to you best adapted to the degree of your momentary insanity. Truly here is an anomaly in nature: the natural affection of a professedly Christian mother practically annihilated for the time being, and she become the medium of Satan, through which he talks to her innocent children in language only befitting his Satanic majesty. The sin consists in giving place to the devil. The result is, God is displeased, family government is broken down, parents become servants, and children masters. “Set thy house in order. Behold the judge standeth before the door.” WANTS IN ILLINOIS.
By G. W. Colcord
1. As a Conference we are in need of more earnest, working officers. We have a few who are doing something; but the sad thought is, we are not doing one-fourth, no, not one-twentieth, of what should be accomplished from month to month in this State. Sad, indeed! May God pity and help us. Our camp-meeting committee, our executive committee, and all our ministers, should be minute men. Why not? Come, my fellow-workers, let me hear from you. What are you doing? What do you desire to have done in Illinois the coming season? If you leave it all to be done by one, but little will be done, and perhaps great mistakes will be committed. No, no; let all come to the rescue. Write to and confer with each other; thus you will become posted, your love for God’s truth will be increased, and you will be enabled to labor with efficiency to save souls. 2. Our brethren and sisters sustain a great loss by not maintaining better order in the churches. I speak more particularly of the manner of conducting business meetings, and the keeping of all church records. By the way, if all our preachers would keep a minute of every interesting item connected with their labors in any new field, when it comes to writing the records of the church, a reference to the minister’s journal would relieve the church organizer of three-fourths of his wearing toil. Therefore I advise as follows: Let all our Illinois lecturers keep a faithful account of every item of interest connected with their labor. Tell when you began the course of lectures, who were baptized (give name and date), when the church was partially organized, when fully, state who were chosen or ordained officers, etc. Another thought: Why should not S. D. Adventists have a neat and convenient blank book in which to inscribe church records? Other denominations have them, nicely printed and ready for use. I have a form which we are using in Illinois which our friends like very much; but it is too laborious and wasteful of time to write so much. I should be rejoiced could Eld. U. Smith, or some one, furnish our people with a suitable book for this purpose. Business meetings will always be conducted with far more concision and profit (other surroundings being equal) if the chair insist on having all obey parliamentary rules. Study Cushing, or some author; then be orderly in God’s house. Elect to the clerkship the best scribes you have, unless otherwise disqualified; then tell them to keep the books free from blots. 3. Illinois has remained needlessly weak, ever since its first existence as a separate Conference, because those occupying responsible positions lacked religious courage. We have been fearful, too fearful, to deliver the whole truth to our brethren and sisters. Afraid to say, “One-tenth of all you earn you should place in God’s treasury.” I am sorry, and determine to reform. I ask all the preachers and all the members of our Illinois churches and all our scattered friends to lift with me in this effort. 4. Hopeful features are: Our preachers appear to be girding themselves for the coming summer campaign; quite a goodly number of our lay brethren are promising me they will work harder. We are not so cramped for money as heretofore. The Ill. T. and M. Society has more funds with which to operate. We now are arranging to use four tents next month. The Lord is gracious—willing to forgive and aid us. May his blessing rest upon Illinois. “PLAIN TALK.”
By R. F. Cottrell
Plain talk and plain dealing are best. These traits should characterize the people who hope to be of that number of whom it is said, “In their mouth was found no guile.” Rev. 14:5. I am glad of the labors of Bro. Canright in our Conference, and of his plain talk, and also that of Sr. C., in Review of March 15. I earnestly desire and pray that all disaffected ones may be benefited. My dear friends, my brothers and sisters (may not I say, My dear children?), whoever you are that are disaffected, I beg of you to heed, and be benefited by, the plain talk of our beloved brother. Do not pretend that there is no disaffection with you, when there is; for that is guile. Since you have spoken disparagingly, if not rebelliously, of God’s chosen servants, it is not enough that you cease, and purpose to drop the matter, avoiding investigation. A frank acknowledgment of the error is what the cause demands, and what your own souls demand, in order to regain the freedom which you once enjoyed, and which you now have lost. Come, begin anew to serve God, to believe his word, and have confidence in his work. The message is from Heaven, and not of men. I still thank God that I “received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” This is the anchor that has held me amid the storms of rebellion; and I hope and pray that it may hold me to the end. Bro. C. has set before you the truth in regard to the way in which the Lord always works. Unity, harmony, and continuity are ever characteristics of his work. He never has failed, and never will, of doing his work harmoniously, so that its unity may be seen. Let us, my dear friends, be in unity with his work, and with each other. Be pleased to accept this word of exhortation from one who loves you in truth. The following I find in the Massachusetts Missionary Magazine for May, A. D. 1805:— “The physician of the Duke of Orleans, being sent for to attend Voltaire in his illness at Paris, the deistical philosopher said to him, ‘Sir, I desire you will save my life. I will give you half of my fortune if you will lengthen out my days only six months. If not I shall go to the devil.’” A. S. WHAT THE POPE PROPOSES TO DO.
If there is any truth in the information contained in the following extract from a letter the Lombardia publishes from its correspondent in Rome, the Papal Railway in Palestine is but a feature of a much more important scheme:— Monseigneur Hassoun, the American Patriarch, entertains the idea of converting Palestine into an appendage of the pope; and it appears that he has not only the support of Pius IX., but, strange to say, also that of the Turkish Government, to which the Court of Rome is rendering important service at this moment. His intention would be to attract to Palestine a strong current of emigrants from all the Catholic countries of Europe, to allot land and cattle to them, to build workshops, and to call into activity the principal industries through which the other countries of the world flourish. The capital of the state would be Jerusalem, which by means of railways would be placed in connection with Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and the other holy places. At Jaffa a grand port would be constructed, and lesser ports provided for the smaller cities on the coast. This project, fantastic and improbable as it is, has nevertheless obtained a number of supporters in the Vatican, beginning with Pius IX. himself, who perhaps desires to secure to his successors the facility in that classic land of exercising both the temporal and the spiritual powers.—American Protestant, of Jan., 1877. The Parsimonious Old Gentleman's Reluctant Giving
A RICH but parsimonious old gentleman, on being taken to task for his uncharitableness, said: “True, I don't give much, but if you only knew how it hurts when I give anything, you would not wonder.” OUR quarterly meeting at Serena, April 20 and 23 was good. Six were received into fellowship. I was glad to find the S. B. tables all formed. The Lord bless Bro. Foreman. He told me the pledge amounts to $320.00. Let other church treasurers copy his good example. G. W. COLCORD. OUR late quarterly meeting held at Watseka was a season of encouragement. Four other churches were represented at this meeting. Four persons were baptized, nine new names were added to the covenant, and S. B. was increased. As we separated, there appeared to be a growing desire and determination to work for the cause of God. R. F. ANDREWS. G. W. COLCORD. Began meeting at Olcott Friday evening, April 20. Nearly all were up from Ridgeway, and a few from Lancaster. Eld. Buel Whitney was present and Bro. D. C. Phillips also. There was very little outside interest, though the house was well filled on Sunday. Years in the past this church was large and lively; but of late it has not been prosperous. Quite a number have died, others have moved away, and some have apostatized. The most of those who still remain here had largely lost their real interest in the truth, and had entirely lost the missionary spirit. As a church, they had backslidden from God, and had drank deeply of the spirit of the world. Knowing these things, we made no effort for outsiders, but labored from the beginning to revive their faith and zeal in the work; but it was very hard to move them. Yet all turned out to meeting promptly, and seemed willing to receive instruction and counsel. There were seventy-five present on the Sabbath. All realized their backslidden condition, and said they were tired of living this way. Sunday afternoon we invited all to come forward, who wished to return to the Lord or seek him for the first time. To our surprise, every one of our people in the house, church members, backsliders, and unconverted, promptly came forward to seek God. Then, for the first time, there was much deep feeling manifested. Good confessions were made. Some who had taken no part for years bore their testimony again. This step encouraged us all very much; but our meetings were now closed. Knowing that if the work was left here, everything would be lost, I decided to postpone all other appointments and remain another week, which we did. We held meetings from house to house evenings, and visited during the daytime. At every meeting from one to half a dozen started. There were about a dozen intelligent young persons here, all of whom, with one exception, came out fully decided for the Lord. One evening we had a meeting with them alone. Nearly every one prayed, and all spoke. The next Sabbath day we had an excellent meeting. Fifteen united with the church, ten of whom I had the pleasure of baptizing. Eight of these were young persons. It was a very lovely sight to see the sons and daughters of our brethren uniting with their parents in the service of God. Three embraced the Sabbath, and united with the church. A few more will unite by letter. Sunday we spent the day in business matters. As in other places, the record here was in a very confused condition. We went through it, straightening it up the best we could. Every absent member of this church is requested to report himself immediately. All present but two joined the Tract Society, greatly enlarging their former list. I spoke on S. B., after which the brethren promptly pledged $475 per year, and then voted the one-third beside. Bro. Varney Gaskell and Harmon Lindsey were elected and ordained deacons of the church. This large church has never had a meeting-house, but occupied the Universalist house. It is away out one side, and where there is no interest. We advised them to build a house of their own, and were glad to find that they were all in favor of it. There is a small village near by, which is central for the church, where the truth has never been preached. Here they decided to build. A building committee was elected, and steps will soon be taken to carry out the work. We thank the Lord for the good work that has been accomplished here. There are talents and means and numbers enough here to make this a strong church, if they will walk with God. Our second course of lectures is proving a success. Some have attended that did not attend before, and we are receiving new accessions, so that now nearly thirty persons have expressed their purpose to keep the Sabbath. The Baptist evangelist did not leave last week as I supposed. A part of the church became alarmed for their cause, and persuaded him to remain a while longer. He has been very bitter in his denunciations of us, and in his desperation has attacked the pastor of the church, taking advantage of my allusion to him two weeks ago, and accusing him of being in sympathy with us, because he does not oppose us in the same unchristian manner in which he does himself. He has now left. The opposition is bitter; but all is working well. Had a good meeting with this church April 28 and 29. Bro. A. H. Hall was with me. The brethren here are talking of building a meeting-house. Sunday we reorganized S. B., commencing with January 1877. The figures were raised from $236 to $310, and absent members will raise this sum considerably. Then those present unanimously voted the one-third to the T. and M. Society. Randolph and Clear Creek.
There is a very handsome church at East Randolph, owned by the first-day Adventists, which is free to all, in which I commenced meetings April 24. The attendance has increased, and now the interest is good. I entreat earnest prayers for God's blessing on this endeavor. Sabbath morning, I met with the church at Clear Creek, where we had a most encouraging meeting. We organized a Bible-class. The people offer very liberally to help build a meeting-house. One gentleman has offered the free gift of a most valuable village lot, in the very center of the village. We are hopeful of success; it could not fail greatly to help the cause. They expect to put up a building to cost about $1500, and capable of seating two hundred people. I leave this place to-morrow, to go to another French settlement. I have baptized eleven here, and organized a church of fourteen members firm in the truth. My expenses here have been nothing. When I presented to them the duty to help the cause, they pledged for it, about $40.00. That is well. They have entirely put away tobacco, pork, and tea. I obtained two subscribers for LES SIGNES. For one month my health has been very poor, and one week ago I had a severe sickness. I then saw my duty more clearly, and made a solemn covenant with God to consecrate myself fully to the work of the third angel's message. I ask the prayers of my brethren and sisters for my labor among the French in this State. STRATHROY, ONTARIO.
By John Fulton
We have canvassed the Prophecies, the Sabbath, and Nature of Man. The opposition has been most determined. Soon after our meetings commenced, the Methodist minister secured the help of a Baptist preacher. These attended our meetings for a few evenings, and tried to prejudice the minds of the people by slander and in other ways. Bro. Sisley commences a course of lectures in an adjoining district this evening, while I remain to continue the meetings. We are of good courage, and shall not give up until confident that the work is done. Every blow struck by the enemy has driven the people nearer to us. Shall we not put forth every effort, that the light may be brought before the people, and the honest rescued? If ever we felt the need of help from the Lord it is at the present time. We know of no better way of securing it than by fasting and prayer. We would therefore set apart Sabbath, May 12, for that purpose, and earnestly request the brethren and sisters of Ontario to unite with us in imploring mercies of the God of Heaven. Brethren, pray for the cause in Ontario. JOHN FULTON. MICHIGAN
By Augusta Lawrence; M. E. Rayburn
Report of Rochester Missionary Society.
The Vigilant Missionary Society of Rochester was organized Jan. 8, 1877, with twelve members, who have met regularly every week. Our interest in the work is steadily increasing. We are glad that there is a way in which we can be of some use in the great harvest field. We receive twenty-five copies of the SIGNS weekly, and could make use of many more. We have sent by mail a large number of papers and tracts, and have received some very interesting letters. The following are extracts from some of them:— “TIFFIN, O., Mar. 15, 1877. “Your favor of the 7th inst. is received. I have also received the various papers and tracts which you have so kindly sent me from time to time, and have been very much interested in reading the same.” “RURAL RETREAT, Mar. 31, 1877. “I received several days ago a paper styled THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, published March 1st, and sent, I suppose, by yourself, which I have read and reread with much pleasure, and I hope not without some profit. Your kindness in sending me the paper is very grateful to me. I had no knowledge of the existence of such a publication. I have just received by this mail a second copy of the same paper, also a tract entitled, ‘The Sufferings of Christ,’ both of which I shall read with great interest. I fully appreciate your kindness in proposing to send me such publications. I shall always read them carefully, and with151 a grateful recollection of your benevolence to myself.” Another writes as follows:— “I have received the papers and tracts that you sent, and am very thankful for them; but don’t want you to pay for them for me. I will pay for them.” “Have received your papers, and have read them carefully, and have been benefited by the perusal of them. All my neighbors read them. The doctrine is new to us. Am very sorry I am not able at the present time to subscribe for them.” “LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.”
By I. E. Milne
When earthly joys from me depart,
And sorrow fills my aching heart,
Upward I lift my tearful eye,
Assuage my grief, O Lord, I cry. The storm beats high, and all is dark,
Oh! wilt thou guide my trembling bark?
Mid the wild storms e'er be my guide
Through time's dark night whate'er betide? And lead me gently, Saviour dear,
Mid angry foes, without a fear.
Will angels bright my steps attend,
Encamp around, and me defend? Amid the storm, when friends grow cold,
I seek, dear Lord, the sheltered fold.
Wilt thou draw near, and list' my cry,
And send thy Spirit from on high? Oh! may I trust thy boundless love
That freely flows from Heaven above?
And wilt thou fill this heart of mine
With thy sweet Spirit all divine? Yes, child, I'll lead thee all the way,
Through conflicts sore to endless day;
Thee living water freely give.
Wilt thou turn to me, and live? My loving Saviour, I am thine.
Oh! never more will I repine;
But joyful tread the narrow way
That leads above to endless day. That morning bright is drawing near.
Our weary hearts how it doth cheer!
O let me, then, with patience wait,
Till Christ shall ope the golden gate. Council Bluffs, Ia., May 1. HUMBOLDT, NEBRASKA.
By C. L. Boyd; M. Wing; James Clark
According to appointment, we were at Humboldt, April 28 and 29. There were but few out; but God verified his promise, and the Spirit of the Master was with us. We organized a church of twelve members. Bro. D. H. Maxson was ordained elder, and David Babcock, deacon. Cynthia Davis was appointed clerk, and Olive Maxson, treasurer. A. T. and M. Society was organized with thirteen members. D. S. Maxson was appointed librarian. We organized S. B. to the amount of $88.98. C. L. Boyd.
M. Wing.
James Clark. We held meetings with the South Mound church, April 25 to 29. South Mound is the name of a railroad station six miles from Parsons, where the church is situated. There are twelve Sabbath-keepers here. Robert Atkin was elected leader. Systematic benevolence was pledged liberally, with the one-third for T. and M. work. I spent April 27 to 29 at Limestone. This is another new church just temporarily organized, with twelve members. They have elected their officers, and made their s. b. pledge for the coming year. This church is made up of the brethren from Monmouth and this place. At both these places strong efforts have been put forth to keep the people from hearing; but the Lord has blessed the truth, and now twenty are keeping the Sabbath where ten months ago there were only three. Some have moved to Arkansas, and are calling for help there. J. H. Cook. DALLAS, TEXAS.
By J. F. Bahler
Last Sabbath our prayer and conference meeting was turned into a T. and M. meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was present. Two of the brethren who thought tract distribution a great cross, resolved, with four or five others, to take portions of Dallas in which to distribute reading matter. The enemy suggested a great many different ideas in regard to what will become of “my temporal affairs,” etc.; but notwithstanding, they went out with courage, resolving to circulate tracts throughout the city, prior to Bro. R. M. Kilgore’s arrival. We have already heard good reports of their first afternoon’s work. May God help and prompt other young brethren in different fields to engage in this high and noble work. At the close of the Sigourney meeting, I spent nearly a week with the church at Pilot Grove. Our meetings were excellent, though the attendance was small. Our Sabbath meeting will ever be remembered as a green spot in our experience, because of God’s blessing. Brn. Hollenbeck and Starr were with me, and added much to the interest. The former preached twice. While at home at Mt. Pleasant, where I remained several weeks, we had an excellent communion season, re-organized s. s., and voted the one-third. The church have a club of twenty-five SIGNS, and are beginning to get awake in the good work of circulating them. It is a very gratifying feature that as soon as they begin to look around for avenues in which to work, they find openings increase, and that they can circulate a larger number of the SIGNS. But they wish to work into this understandingly, and do their work well. The church has increased from about twenty, when organized a few years ago, to upwards of fifty now. We have no church trials in our midst. We have a good Sabbath-school, good meetings, and a growing interest to work for the Lord. There never were as favorable openings to work in this city as now. There has been a very hard influence to contend with in this proud city, where popular churches have so great a sway. But the seeds of truth sown in the tent-meeting last summer are growing. Last Sabbath and Sunday, I filled my appointment at Knoxville. Commenced with the evening of the Sabbath, and preached seven times, closing Sunday night. Held two social meetings, re-organized s. s., which will probably be about $800 dollars when all are in—over twice as much as last year. The one-third additional for the T. and M. work was voted, and a club of twenty-three SIGNS taken for distribution. Two were taken into the church, one of these subject to baptism. If the members of this church will only take hold of the work in Knoxville in good earnest, we firmly believe there will be large additions to their membership. Many are looking on partially interested. Many young people constantly attend meetings. They have now a pleasant house of worship, and everything is favorable for a general advance. May the Lord hasten it. The Tuesday following, I met with the church at Sandyville. Some should have been there who were not. God gave me good freedom in speaking. We re-organized s. s., the one-third was cheerfully voted, a club of twenty-five SIGNS for use in missionary work was taken, and a more animated spirit of labor seemed to be infused. One person was taken into the church. Altogether, the meeting was a very pleasant and encouraging one to me, and a profitable one for the church members who were present. “GO WORK TO-DAY IN MY VINE-YARD.”
By Martha D. Amadon
While reading from time to time the earnest appeals and experiences of those who are heartily at work in the Tract and Missionary enterprise, I thought of the words of our Saviour, “Go work to-day in my vineyard.” The work that is being accomplished by these efforts is proof that God favors them, and wherever we can see work to do for our friends, we should prayerfully ask the Lord’s guidance that we may do it well. No one need be ignorant of the importance of the work and the sacrifices devoted ones are making to advance it, if he will but look about him. It is an easy thing to indulge in useless luxuries, and it is never easy for the natural heart to exercise self-denial. Only by a constant supply of heavenly grace do we learn to love the self-denying way which presents to us daily crosses. The question comes home, What am I doing? Do I realize the deprivations and excessive labors others are making for the truth, and feel that I cannot rest till I do something? Does the long-suffering of God towards me cause me to feel that there is something for me to do? I have friends whom I want to see saved by the truth; but is there in my own heart a spirit of sacrifice and consecration commensurate to the work? I would that this thought might come home with greater earnestness, until a full surrender enables me to work successfully for my Master. Probation is still ours, and the time for work is not over. The fields are white and ready for the harvest. Sometimes sending a copy of the SIGNS, REVIEW, HEALTH REFORMER, a tract, or even writing a letter, to a friend opens the way, and awakens an interest. Then how carefully should the work be followed up! Prayers and encouraging words are needed. If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him, is the promise of the inspired word. In remaining idle, we lose a sense of God’s love, of the time in which we are living, of the work being done for the Lord’s people just before his coming, and, it is to be feared, the work needful to be done for ourselves. “The heavier cross, the stronger faith;
The loaded palm strikes deeper root;
The vine juice sweetly issueth
When men have pressed the clustered fruit;
And courage grows where dangers come,
Like pearls beneath the salt sea foam.” Tender Shepherd.
By Eliza Walker
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” The name shepherd, or pastor, signifies a keeper of sheep, as were a great number of the patriarchs. Jabal, the son of Lamech, was the father of shepherds. A large part of their wealth consisted in their flocks and herds, the care of which was shared by their sons, daughters, and servants. Many in the tribes of Israel were shepherds, and so was David their king. This employment is highly honored in the Bible. In the time of the kings, the chief shepherd occupied a place of some importance. The shepherds often had a wide range of pasture grounds, from one to another of which they drove their flocks as occasion required. In Palestine they found many green spots in winter and spring where their flocks could graze; but the heat of summer withered these pastures of the wilderness, and drove the shepherds and their flocks to the highlands and mountain streams for fresh pastures. So with our great and good Shepherd. When I am almost fainting and ready to famish amidst the heat and burdens of the day, then he leadeth me so gently into the green pastures and beside the still waters. How refreshing to the hungry and thirsty soul! Where is the child of God, who has not had these green spots of experience all along the way? To me they are as strong monuments of God’s mercy. I can look back to them and take fresh courage to go on. Christ is often called a Shepherd; and he also takes on himself the title of “the Good Shepherd,” who gave his life for his sheep. Paul calls him the great Shepherd of the sheep. Peter gives him the title of Prince of shepherds. His ministers are, in like manner, pastors, or under-shepherds of the flock, as was Moses an under-shepherd of the children of Israel to lead them through the wilderness. Our Saviour says the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, and that he knows them, and they know him; that they hear his voice, and follow him. Oh! that we might always heed the voice of the true Shepherd, and place our hands in his, to be led by him; for we have the assurance that no one can pluck us out of his hands. The good Shepherd also searcheth for the lost ones, and those that have strayed from the fold, and wandered upon the mountains and into the shadow of death. He gently leads them back into green pastures and by the still waters. True, he leads me in a mysterious way. I cannot see why it is, yet God knows. He never leads me otherwise than wisely. He makes no mistakes. He knows the way I ought to go. He understands me fully. He knows my spirit would fail before him if I were dealt with severely. Oh! how he mingles mercy with judgment! Then, he leads me always, in prosperity and in adversity, in joy and in sorrow, when alone and when surrounded by my friends and kindred. If he left me, even for an hour, I should be undone. Tender Shepherd, lead thou me still, and I will put my hand in thine, and go wheresoever thou mayest lead. Never has he brought me into needless trouble. When affliction has gained its end, relief, in some form, has come. If I will mark his footsteps, and go right forward, he will guide me by his counsel, and afterward receive me to himself. Not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done. Guide me, O thou great Shepherd of Israel; be thou on my right hand and on my left, by day and by night, until these conflicts be overpast. A London minister said to a brother clergyman, one Monday morning, “Seven persons were received into my church yesterday, and they were all brought in by a smile.” “Brought in by a smile!” echoed the astonished listener, “what do you mean?” “I will explain. Several months ago, as I passed a certain house on my way to church, I saw, held in the arms of its nurse, a beautiful infant. As it fixed its large eyes on me I smiled, and the sweet child returned the smile. The next Sabbath the babe was again before the window, and again I gave it a smile; and this time, as before, it gave back an answering smile. The third Sabbath I looked up to the window as I passed, and now the babe smiled down on me, and this time I threw to the pretty prattler a kiss. Instantly one little hand was extended, and a kiss thrown back to me. And so it came to pass that I learned to watch for the baby on my way to church; and as the weeks went by I noticed that the nurse and the baby were not alone. Other members of the family pressed to the window to see the gentleman who had always a smile for the household pet. “One Sabbath, as I passed, two children, a boy and a girl, stood at the window beside the baby. That morning the father and mother had said to these children, ‘Make yourselves ready for church, for we think that the gentleman who always smiles to the baby is a minister. When he passes, do you follow him and see where he preaches.’ The children were quite willing to follow the suggestion of their parents; and after I had passed, the door opened and the children stepped upon the pavement, and kept near me from street to street, until I entered my own church, where they followed me, and seats were given them. “When they reached home they sought their parents, and exclaimed eagerly, ‘He is a minister, and we have found his church, and he preached a beautiful sermon this morning. You must go and hear him next Sabbath.’ To persuade the parents was not difficult, and guided by their children, they found their way to church. They too were pleased, and other members of the household were induced to come to the house of God. God blessed to them my ministry, and seven members of this household have been led to give their hearts to Jesus, and to unite with the people of God; and I repeat what I before said to you, that they were brought in by a smile.” No one is too poor, too full of labor and care, to give a smile and a kind word; and the loving Saviour makes use of instruments so simple to bring souls into his kingdom. FACTS ABOUT VIRGINIA.
By J. O. Corliss
As a number of letters have been received here making inquiries about the country, I will state a few facts for the benefit of all. Much of the soil in the Shenandoah Valley, especially the “bottom” land, is very productive, yet a great deal of the upland is quite light, and produces only fair crops. Land can be bought all the way from $10.-00 to $75.00 an acre, according to quality and location. Any one having means with which to purchase a home can live as easily here as elsewhere. Farm hands’ wages are from eight to twelve dollars a month, and mechanics get from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents a day. Provisions and clothing are worth about the same as at the North. The winters are short and comparatively mild, and the climate at the different seasons good. Fruit of all kinds abounds. Aside from these, I see no special inducements to those who simply seek a home; but if there are those who have the cause of God at heart, and desire something to do, they can find ample space here in which to labor. Here is a wide field, and many precious souls are hungering for the truths of the third angel’s message. I know of no field where labor in scattering tracts and obtaining subscriptions for our periodicals will be better rewarded than in Virginia. J. O. CORLISS. Sr. Libbie M. Carlisle, writing from West Randolph, Vermont, adds the following private note, which she will please pardon us for publishing:— “I cannot tell you how much I prize the REVIEW as it comes to our fireside each week laden with rich and choice instruction from able writers. And it cheers my heart to read of the new ones embracing the truth. About three years ago I accidentally saw one of these papers; and I liked it so much that I subscribed for it immediately. About two years ago I embraced present truth and commenced keeping the Bible Sabbath, and it grows dearer to me day by day. Although in one sense I might be called one of the ‘lonely ones,’ yet I can hardly say I am, for I have my dear Bible to peruse, also our good REVIEW and SIGNS, besides plenty of books.” “I am quite feeble in health, and had it not been for the HEALTH REFORMER and kind care of dear Sister W. and family, I should now no doubt be lying in my grave. I have had twelve different physicians during my life, and much of the time have been under their care; but since I dismissed my physicians and commenced living out the health reform, I find myself much better. I cannot express the joy of my heart in learning this better way.” “I have sometimes so longed for the privileges others enjoy in going to meeting; but I try to be content and live so near to God that by and by with all his faithful ones I may enjoy ‘that perfect rest that remaineth to the people of God.’” HAVE CHARITY.
By Abbie A. Sargent
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou be also tempted.” Gal. 6: 1. The first word of our lesson seems addressed to the children of God, or those trying to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. If, then, we are his disciples, we are ready and willing to be led and guided by the truth in whatever way it may present itself to us. If we are living as a band of brothers, our affections and interests for each other will be mutual, and we shall have no occasion for injuring or harming our brothers in any way; but if the Spirit of Christ abounds, we shall walk hand in hand, helping and being helped by each other, trying to raise the fallen and to strengthen and encourage the weak, which is nothing more than our reasonable service as God’s true children. We are trying to imitate our Saviour’s example, which was forgiveness and love to the end of his sufferings. He left a record of that forgiving spirit, that we at this day may apply it as our daily rule of practice. Are we doing it as faithfully as we ought? Are there not many instances wherein we neglect this important duty? How apt are we, if a brother stumbles, or falls out by the way, to censure him with bitterness, or to speak evil of him instead of raising him up and helping him over the rough places in which he may have fallen. “If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one”—not cast him off, but in the spirit of meekness, with love and charity, not forgetting our Saviour’s dying words, “Father, forgive them,” with heart-felt sympathy, do all in our power to call the wanderer home, “considering ourselves lest we be also tempted.” Let us, then, at all times and under all circumstances be willing to help the weak, and raise the fallen; for by so doing we shall live out the example of love and charity, which is the key to Heaven and our future inheritance. “Faith, Hope, and Charity:
With these blest three,
We can look up,
And trust in thee,
Our Saviour and our God,
The first great Cause,
Who ordered all our ways in love,
E’en nature’s laws. “He formed us as we are,
Gave each our sphere,
And bade us look
In faith to him, till he appear.
He made earth not too bright,
Nor yet too sad,
For hope to lend its cheering light,
And make us glad. “But greatest boon of all
To mortals given
Is Christ-like, holy Charity,
Emblem of Heaven.”